The competition season for FIRST Robotics is back with a splash! The 2024-2025 season, FIRST DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, has officially launched, embarking on a thrilling new chapter of innovation and creativity. High school students worldwide now have the chance to tackle the depths of STEM through an exciting ocean-themed challenge. 

Whether you’re a curious newcomer, an invested mentor, or a loyal supporter, this guide will walk you through what makes FIRST DIVE℠ so impactful—and how you can get involved. 

What Is the FIRST Robotics Competition? 

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is no ordinary STEM event. It’s a global initiative that blends education, technology, creativity, and fun, giving high school students aged 14-18 the opportunity to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for competitive matches. 

Participants develop crucial technical and soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while tackling real-world challenges. Sponsored by companies like Qualcomm, the competition is known for fostering innovation and preparing students for future STEM careers.

Over the decades, FIRST Robotics has created a supportive community where budding engineers, programmers, and strategists can push the boundaries of what’s possible. Now, FIRST DIVE℠ takes this mission deeper—literally. 

Exploring FIRST DIVE℠ Presented by Qualcomm 

The 2024-2025 season brings an oceanic twist to the competition. Aptly named FIRST DIVE℠, the challenge immerses teams in the world of underwater exploration. Here's what you need to know about this year’s theme: 

The Challenge

Teams will work together to design robots capable of excelling in alliance-based matches on a custom-built oceanic-themed field. While the full details of the game will be unveiled on January 6, 2025, expect an emphasis on creativity, strategy, and technical expertise.

The objective? Solve real-world problems inspired by ocean exploration while collaborating effectively with teammates and alliances. 

Key Dates

• September 7, 2024 – Official Kickoff Event 
• January 6, 2025 – Full Competition Launch 
• February-March 2025 – Regional Competitions Begin 
• April 16-19, 2025 – FIRST Championship in Houston, TX 

Mark these dates and prepare for an action-packed season! 

Designing, Building, and Programming Robots 

Behind every successful robot is a team of skilled, passionate students—and the mentors who guide them. The process of designing, building, and programming a competitive robot is at the heart of the FIRST Robotics experience. 

Step 1: Team Collaboration 

Teamwork is the foundation of every FIRST Robotics project. Students brainstorm innovative ideas, divide tasks, and work collaboratively to create a robot tailored to the year’s game constraints. This fosters critical leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

Step 2: Engineering and Construction 

Using industry-standard tools and materials, teams bring their concepts to life. From choosing drivetrain designs to constructing dynamic arms or elegant mechanisms, participants tackle real-life engineering challenges. 

Step 3: Programming and Testing 

With the help of AI, machine learning, and advanced coding platforms, teams develop software to control their robots. Testing is crucial—it's where innovation meets refinement. Every glitch resolved gets them closer to success on the field. 

These steps mirror real-world engineering practices, giving students insights into careers in manufacturing, programming, and more. 

Innovation and Collaboration in Action 

One of the most inspiring aspects of FIRST Robotics is seeing how students innovate to solve unique challenges. Past competitions provide no shortage of examples:

• Infinite Recharge℠ (2020-2021): Teams designed robots to shield cities from asteroids, focusing on renewable energy storage. 
• Rapid React℠ (2022-2023): Participants tackled urban logistics by creating robots to transport cargo efficiently. 

This innovative thinking often has far-reaching implications. FIRST alumni frequently cite the competition as instrumental in shaping their STEM careers. 

The collaborative spirit extends beyond team borders. Students form alliances during matches, teaching them the importance of cooperation—even with their competition.

Aligning FIRST DIVE℠ With STEM Initiatives 

FIRST Robotics isn't just a fun competition; it's a movement that aligns perfectly with modern STEM education priorities. 

1. Igniting STEM Passion 

Studies show FIRST alumni are nearly twice as likely to pursue STEM majors in college compared to non-participants. By offering hands-on engineering experience, the competition bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application. 

2. Tackling Global Issues 

With themes like ocean exploration, FIRST DIVE℠ empowers students to address real-world problems like sustainability, climate change, and marine conservation through technology. 

3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion 

FIRST Robotics encourages participation from students of all backgrounds, helping dismantle gender and socioeconomic barriers in STEM fields. Representation matters, and FIRST is committed to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. 

Tips for Students, Mentors, and Sponsors 

Whether you’re participating for the first time or returning for another season, here’s how you can maximize your experience:

For Students 

• Get Organized Early: Identify your strengths and decide which sub-team you’d like to join—be it programming, mechanical engineering, or marketing. 
• Experiment and Fail Forward: The best solutions often come from trial and error. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. 
• Network During Competitions: Engage with other teams and industry professionals to make connections that could benefit your future career. 

For Mentors 

• Guide Without Overstepping: Encourage students to explore their ideas while stepping in to offer advice only when necessary. 
• Foster Inclusivity: Create an environment where all participants feel valued and able to contribute, regardless of experience level. 

For Sponsors 

• Stay Engaged: Attend events, interact with students, and share resources to strengthen your connection to the teams you support. 
• Advocate for STEM: Amplify your impact by promoting STEM education initiatives within your own organization. 

Building Future STEM Leaders 

Initiatives like FIRST DIVE℠ aren't just about robots—they’re about building the next generation of innovators, collaborators, and leaders. Whether you're fascinated by the intricacies of ocean exploration or inspired by the energy of student teams, the FIRST Robotics Competition has something for everyone.